I want to be like Jesus

“I am in awe at the Lord’s work,” was what Iman, AWEMA worker, said as she reflected on the transformation in Rahma’s life.

Iman leads a discipleship group for girls in an underprivileged rural area, where there are no Evangelical churches. Two years ago, 17-year-old Rahma joined the group. Rahma’s negative self-image was evident in her aggressive behavior, her words and even her appearance.

Iman is keen to walk the discipleship journey with the girls individually and not just as a group. Yet, whenever she offered to spend time with Rahma, her response would be “I don’t know how to talk.” But God was working in ways we couldn’t see. After two years of regular exposure to Scriptures and being in a safe environment, Rahma took the initiative and requested to talk to Iman. When they met, Rahma shared about the physical and emotional abuse she endured from her family and her addiction to online romantic relationships, which left her vulnerable to exploitation. “I feel that this is not where I belong anymore,” said Rahma, “I want to be a disciple; I want to be like Jesus.”

Rahma has been studying and memorizing Scripture. She’s also become open, expressive, more gentle, and more attentive to her looks. The other girls have been commending her on this change.

Iman had often thought Rahma would surely quit the discipleship program. “But the Lord taught me not to judge outwardly nor lose hope in any girl,” Iman shares.

While Rahma’s circumstances remain the same, she’s a different person because she invited into her story the only One who has the power to change her.

* Name changed for identity protection.